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Obituary for Beatrice R. "Bebe" Richardson
Beatrice Reeves “Bebe” Richardson left earth for her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She was 86.
A native of Ethel, Mississippi in Attala County and born November 16, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Lester and Mabel Reeves. Her family moved to Pascagoula when she was young, and she graduated from Pascagoula High in 1949.
Mrs. Richardson was a graduate of the Mather School of Nursing’s Diploma program in New Orleans. She was a graduate of Mississippi College where she received her BSN followed by her Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration in 1987.
Mrs. Richardson was dearly devoted to her calling and served as a registered nurse in various clinical and administrative capacities for over 50 years. As a young nurse she fought for her patients during the polio outbreak, even breathing for a little boy for hours until he could get an “iron lung.” She served for a number of years as interim Director of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where she initially served as an RN in the Recovery Room. She then served as Director of Nursing at Woman’s Hospital from 1976 until 1987 before rejoining UMMC. She was Chief Nursing Officer of UMMC from 1987 until her retirement in 2002.
Through her leadership as an administrator and her constant commitment to excellence in nursing practice, she helped shape and guide policies and procedures that ensured patients received the highest quality, compassionate care while maintaining the highest standards and expectations for an educated and skilled workforce. She was known for her ability to bring people together for the greater good both in and outside of the hospital.
Bebe cared for her community. She was active in professional and civic organizations including the Mississippi Hospital Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, the Center for Pregnancy Choices, UMMC Lions Club, and the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind.
Bebe was a longtime active member of Truitt Memorial Baptist Church in Pearl. She met the love of her life, Bob Richardson, through the church, and they were married by her father who was pastor there on April 4, 1958. She supported the church actively through her service and was passionate about pastoral education.
Bebe was a wonderful and loving daughter, providing constant care to her mother and father until their deaths. She was a devoted and precious Mother and “Nanny” to her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, a loving sister, loyal companion and friend to many.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, William Robert “Bob” Richardson, and her brother, James Elvin Reeves. She is survived by her sister, Charlotte Reeves Landrum (Dr. Barry Landrum), of Katy, TX; daughter, Jan Richardson Sims, of Madison; son, William Scott Richardson (Dana), of Ridgeland; her dearest, loving friend, Lyn Sanderford; dearest bonus “daughter”, Mollie Sims; grandchildren: Dr. Tara Lewis (Christian), of Madison; Kristen Ingram (Dr. Brandon Ingram), of Petal; Christy Nielson (Matt), of Athens, GA; and Austin Sims, of Jackson; great grandchildren: Connor Martinez, Davis Ingram, and Emery Lewis; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends.
Friends are invited to visitation with the family at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Truitt Memorial Baptist Church in Pearl where the Memorial Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Matt Snowden officiating.
Bebe loved the George Washington Carver quote, “How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday you will have been all of these.” Please, in lieu of flowers, follow her Christian example and live this way. For those desiring to make a memorial donation, the family requests those be made to the Truitt Pastoral Continuing Education Fund through the Rankin County Baptist Association, 200 Park Place Drive, Pearl MS 39208.
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